In the wake of the violence that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the weekend, President Trump’s refusal to explicitly denounce hate groups like the KKK and neo-Nazis drove the news cycle on Sunday and into today. Trump finally denounced such groups in a press conference this afternoon, during which he also boasted about the economy and vowed to hold those responsible for the violence accountable.

advertisement

Below is an excerpt:

And as I have said many times before, no matter the color of our skin, we all live under the same laws. We all salute the same great flag, and we are all made by the same almighty God.

We must love each other, show affection for each other, and unite together in condemnation of hatred, bigotry, and violence. We must rediscover the bonds of love and loyalty that bring us together as Americans.

Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.